Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History: Chapter 1
Alexander's Aggression
Alexander invasion took place in 326 B.C when modern European Nations like England, France, Germany,etc were not born. Roman Empire was also not there. At this time Greek was having small cities ruled by independent powers. A highly well-organised, unitary and very powerful Persian empire started invading Greeks. They were not able to resist the. King Philip from Macedonia started conquering small Greek republics but died before he can conquer whole Greek. His son Alexander took over his throne and conquered whole of Greek and ready to face Persian in war. A famous war took place field of Arbela(331 B.C.). He simply routed vast Persian army. At this time he wanted to conquer the whole World and therefore planned to invade India.
Geographical Dimensions of India
At this time, Indian Kingdoms had spread far beyond the Indus right upto boundary of Persia. The mountain range Hindukush at that time was referred as Paropnisus by Greeks. Todays, Afganistan was called Gandhar and river Kabul was called Kubha in our ancient literature.Right from Indus river till the sea all of Indian States were strictly following vedic religion and most of them were republics also called as 'Ganas' or 'Ganarajyas'. Their constitution was essentially democratic.
Ionian and Yavan
These Greeks were the descendants of Anu, the son of Yayati. Anwayan was later on corrupted to Ionian. Indians called these Greeks 'Yavanas' from the very beginning as per our Sanskrit literature.
Buddha Not Heard of From Gandhar-Panchanad to Sindh
All the Greek writers of that time gave various description of the life of the people from these parts of India. But there is no mention of Buddha in any of those text. The only reference we cna found is Vedic religion. This means after 250-300 years after Buddha death there was no Buddist cult till some of the people corrupted Buddha teachings and started to oppose Vedic religion for their own benefit which was against Buddha teachings.
University of Taxila and a Strange coincidence
At this time Taxila and Patliputra were two famous univerties. Students from different countries use to come here for education. Many princess of different states also studied here. When Alexander entered Taxila a brilliant youth was learning science of war and politics in the University of Taxila. He was called Chandragupta. The guru of this youth was Chanakya. Both of these were observing silently.
War With Porus
The king of Taxila, Ambuj or Ambhi bowed down to Alexander. After taking over Taxila, Alexander immediately sent ultimatum to tall the neighbouring Indian States, demanding unconditional surrender. Taxila immediate neighbour King Porus refused to bow down to Alexander. King Porus strength was War chariots and Elephants whereas the Greeks were cavalry brigades. The river Vitasta (Jhelum) separated the two armies. Just before the war begins, heavy rain started. Alexander some how crossed the river and surprised King Porus. Still King Porus tried to faught bravely. But his war chariots and Elephants almost became useless on the slippery ground against the horsemen. In this battle, Porus and his Elephant got grievously wounded and fell into the hands of enemy.
After capturing Porus, Alexander didn't kill him to avoid any hatred towards Greek from local people and nearby kingdom. After this he started to stabilize his possition and ordered fresh army from Greek.
Republic of Saubhootis and Kathas
As per Greek writer both of these republics were democratic. Special feature of these republics - for a physically strong generation, they use to marry based on physical strength and beauty. State authorities use to examine a newly born child within 3 months. If the child is having some defect or suffering from some incurable disease, it was immediately put to death. Almost same laws were there in the Republic of Sparta. Same was the case with "Vrishnis Republic". Also, there were many other republics where not only Men but Women also undergo mandatory military training.
The Republic of Youdheyas
Republic of the Youdheyas spread south of river Vyas in Panchanad(Punjab). Mandatory training for everyone between 18 to 21 years. Also called as "A Nation in arms". Knowing about these Youdheyas, Alexander army struck with terror and refused to cross river to fight. Alexander gave his famous speech to motivate his army but all was in vain. He was so depressed that he didn't came out of his tent for almost 3 days.
Alexander's Retreat
When Alexander sensed that he can't convince his army to fight so he told them that we will go back to Greece. But we can't take same route backwards as it will lift the moral of the territory we won. So, we will go to the sea along bank of Indus and then take sea route.
Republic of the Malavas and the Shudrakas
Both of these were hostile towards each other from long time. But united to fight Alexander to save their country. They intermarried to bring social unity among them. A bloody war took place at some city (name is not known). As these united republics were keep on fighting, once again Alexander's army discontent reached the climax and there were rebellious whispers against Alexander orders. Even at this time Alexander wanted his army to climb up the ladder and leap straight into enemy stronghold. Since, none of them came forward so Alexander took the lead. But suddenly one arrow pierced the heart of Alexander.
Alexander Rolled into a Pool of Blood
After several days Alexander regained consciousness. At this point he did a peace treaty with these republic that they will not harass him and his retreating army.
Masaga tribe and Republic of Agrashrenis & Brahmanakas
7 thousand armed Masaga tribe fought both Men and Women till last of them were killed. Agreshrenis: They gave tough fight, fought for every inch and at last they set their houses on fire and their wives and children and all threw themselves into the flames. They made Johar(Jai Har). These instances were cited by Greek writers.
Alexander's Homeward Voyage and His Death
After reaching the sea, Alexander divided his army into two. One sailed through sea (Alexander accompanied them) and another took the land route through Baluchistan.
While Alexander was in Sind, various republic started to revolt. As his army was completely exhausted so he didn't did anything. He died in 323 B.C.
Greek Governor Beheaded
Nicanor and Philip were governor. After Alexander's Death, republic of Ashvinis assassinated Philip with his small Greek regiment. Almost all republics from Panchanad to Sindh became independent within six months of Alexander's Death. All Greek symbols, colonies were uprooted. All these were planned and executed by Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya.
Alexander's Retreat
When Alexander sensed that he can't convince his army to fight so he told them that we will go back to Greece. But we can't take same route backwards as it will lift the moral of the territory we won. So, we will go to the sea along bank of Indus and then take sea route.
Republic of the Malavas and the Shudrakas
Both of these were hostile towards each other from long time. But united to fight Alexander to save their country. They intermarried to bring social unity among them. A bloody war took place at some city (name is not known). As these united republics were keep on fighting, once again Alexander's army discontent reached the climax and there were rebellious whispers against Alexander orders. Even at this time Alexander wanted his army to climb up the ladder and leap straight into enemy stronghold. Since, none of them came forward so Alexander took the lead. But suddenly one arrow pierced the heart of Alexander.
Alexander Rolled into a Pool of Blood
After several days Alexander regained consciousness. At this point he did a peace treaty with these republic that they will not harass him and his retreating army.
Masaga tribe and Republic of Agrashrenis & Brahmanakas
7 thousand armed Masaga tribe fought both Men and Women till last of them were killed. Agreshrenis: They gave tough fight, fought for every inch and at last they set their houses on fire and their wives and children and all threw themselves into the flames. They made Johar(Jai Har). These instances were cited by Greek writers.
Author: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
1> https://swarajyamag.com/politics/veer-savarkar-the-man-and-mission-beyond-the-mercy-petitions
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